Air Zoo adds rare Fairchild 24K to collection

The Air Zoo is adding a rare classic plane to its collection — a 1938 Fairchild 24K, which is set to land at the Kalamazoo, Michigan, museum the second week of September.

The 24K is a high-wing single-engine monoplane that was flown for personal and business use in the late 1930s. It had a quick sales success with prominent businessmen and Hollywood actors purchasing the aircraft. The 24K can seat up to four people and was popular because of its pleasant handling characteristics and roomy interior. Only 36 24Ks were manufactured, and eight remain registered in the United States.

“The 24K came from the Golden Age of Aviation,” said Bob Ellis, Air Zoo president and CEO. “It’s a beautiful plane that is full of character and we are thrilled to add it to the Air Zoo’s extensive collection of aircraft.”

Donor Norbert McLuckie, 90, of Coal City, Ill., will fly the plane to the Air Zoo the second week of September, weather permitting. McLuckie is an avid flier and recently passed his annual flight physical exam.